Comparison Overview
The Saucony Guide 18 is the latest evolution of the Guide 17 line. We recommend the Guide 17 for most runners.
How the Saucony Guide 17 and Saucony Guide 18 differ
The Saucony Guide 17 and the Saucony Guide 18 are both daily trainer shoes from Saucony, which makes this a classic same-line comparison: same design language, similar fit philosophy, but meaningful changes in feel and intended use.
Where they actually differ: the Saucony Guide 18 comes in roughly 0.5 oz lighter (10.1 oz vs 9.6 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (8mm on the Saucony Guide 17, 6mm on the Saucony Guide 18) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; and the Saucony Guide 17 rides on the taller stack (35mm/27mm vs 32mm/26mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Saucony Guide 17 | Saucony Guide 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Saucony | Saucony |
| Model | Guide 17 | Guide 18 |
| Category | daily trainer | daily trainer |
| Weight | 10.1 oz | 9.6 oz |
| Drop | 8mm | 6mm |
| Price | $140 | $140 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Saucony Guide 17 or the Saucony Guide 18?
- The Saucony Guide 18 is the lighter shoe at 9.6 oz versus 10.1 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Saucony Guide 17 is the more affordable option at $140 compared to $140.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Saucony Guide 17 has a 8mm drop and the Saucony Guide 18 has a 6mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Saucony Guide 17 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Saucony Guide 18 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.